Bill > SB6200

This bill, concerning renters' and mobile home occupants' ability to install portable cooling devices, establishes new rights for tenants by prohibiting landlords from preventing the installation of portable cooling devices, such as air conditioners or portable heat pumps, unless specific conditions are met. These conditions include violations of building codes or manufacturer safety guidelines, causing unreasonable damage to the property, or exceeding the existing electrical capacity of the dwelling or mobile home park. The bill also clarifies that landlords cannot charge fees for the use or inspection of these devices, though they can charge for renting a device or for damages caused by its use. For window-mounted devices, landlords have additional restrictions, such as prohibiting installation if it obstructs emergency exits, compromises window security, requires excessive hardware that could damage the window, or cannot be secured safely. Tenants are required to provide notice before installing window-mounted devices, and landlords are generally immune from liability for damages caused by tenant-installed devices, though they must inform tenants of any restrictions in their leases. The bill also amends existing law regarding mobile home parks to include these protections for mobile home occupants.